Italy: Lake Como, Bologna & Venice 10 Days

Welcome to Italy, or "Buongiorno in Italia" as the locals say!
After your flight has landed, go through customs, grab your luggage and make your way to the Arrivals Hall where a private driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. Your private driver will transport you to your hotel in Lake Como. The drive to Lake Como is approximately 1.5 hours in total. Northwest Italy is blessed with a mixture of mountains and hills, wild and cultivated landscape, lakes and coastline – beautiful countryside that balances the fast pace of life in its prosperous and historic cities Como, at the end of the western arm of Lake Como, is a town where you truly feel the magic in the air while walking or cycling in the small historical squares.

There is a pleasant historic center and a waterfront lined with cafes. The splendid 15th century Renaissance- Gothic cathedral is also nearby. Other notable monuments include the 13th century Broletto, San Fedel church, and the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio.
Spend the first day at leisure getting acquainted with your surroundings and soaking in the beautiful scenery of the lake. Browse through the quaint shops and boutiques in the heart of town and savor a fresh dish of pasta and wine to toast to the start of your vacation!

Today, consider adding a two hours small group boat through Lake Como including Bellagio seeing the most famous spots. These particular spots include Blevio and its beautiful villas, Villa Pliniana, one of the oldest villas on lake Como, Nesso, the most romantic spot on the lake and a typical fisherman village with an old style bridge that hides beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy the viewpoint once you reach Bellagio, the most famous village of the lake. You will also be crusiing by other notable villas including Tremezzo, with its charming villa Carlotta and a paradise for the lovers of flowers, Villa Balbianello, famous for having been the set of famous movies such as 007 and Star Wars, Villa Cassinella with its manicured gardens and Isola Comacina, the only island of the lake, and many more. Spend the rest of today at your leisure. I recommend purchasing a centre lake ticket to explore the many charming towns you cruised by surrounding Lake Como with comfort and ease. Varenna, with it's medieval center and lakeside setting and views, is also another beautiful stop along the lake. No matter where you travel today, you are in for a wonderful experience!

After a delightful breakfast in Lake Como, your day begins with a smooth transfer to Milan Train Station, where your private driver will meet you at your hotel reception. The drive to Milan is approximately one hour, offering a peaceful journey through the Lombardy countryside.
Once you arrive at the train station, board your comfortable train for a ride to Bologna, the culinary heart of Italy.
Upon arrival in Bologna, your private driver will meet you at the station and transport you to your hotel, a short 15-minute drive. Check in and settle into your 4* hotel, where you'll have some free time to relax and unwind.
The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure—perhaps a leisurely walk around Bologna’s historic center, or simply relax in one of its charming piazzas with a glass of wine.

Today, immerse yourself in the rich culinary culture of Bologna with a three-and-a-half-hour gastronomic walking tour. Your expert guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a journey through the heart of Bologna’s food scene. Begin by exploring one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant food markets, where you’ll discover the best of local produce and traditional Italian ingredients.
As you wander the market, your guide will introduce you to some of Bologna’s most historic food shops, where you’ll sample a selection of local delicacies. The tour includes five different tastings at carefully selected food stops, each showcasing a different aspect of Bologna's gastronomic heritage. Indulge in freshly baked pastries, rich chocolate, creamy gelato, and homemade pasta. Learn about the local wines, and taste an array of cured meats and cheeses, all while discovering the unique history and culture behind each food item.
Alongside the tastings, your guide will also explain the historical and architectural significance of the area, giving you a deeper understanding of Bologna's medieval market traditions and the city’s evolving food culture.
This delightful experience concludes with a full, progressive lunch, offering an authentic taste of Bologna’s culinary treasures.
The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore Bologna at your own pace.

Today, embark on an immersive eight-hour excursion into the heart of Emilia Romagna's Food Valley, where Italy’s finest culinary traditions come to life. Your private driver will meet you at your hotel reception in Bologna, and from there, you’ll begin a journey through this renowned region, famous for its gastronomic excellence.
During this excursion, you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet boutique food producers who dedicate their craft to creating Italy’s most beloved delicacies. Your first stop will be to learn about the world-famous Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano), where you can witness the meticulous process of its production and taste freshly made varieties straight from the source. Next, you’ll visit a Balsamic vinegar producer in Modena, where you’ll delve into the tradition of creating this rich, complex vinegar. With centuries-old techniques passed down through generations, you’ll get a chance to explore the aging process and savor its deep flavors in various stages.
The final stop of the day will focus on Prosciutto di Parma, one of Italy’s most renowned cured meats. Learn about the careful production process that results in its unique taste and, of course, enjoy a tasting of this delicate, melt-in-your-mouth ham. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the countryside, with rolling hills and picturesque landscapes as the perfect backdrop to your culinary journey.
The day will be a true immersion into the rich food culture of Emilia Romagna, and you’ll return to Bologna with a deeper understanding of the region’s gastronomic heritage.

After breakfast, the driver meets you at reception for the transfer to the Maggiore Car Rental Office, a drive of approximately fifteen minutes. Collect your car and drive to Lake Garda area. Check-in and free time in the afternoon. Lake Garda – which touches the three Italian Regions of Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto – is even surrounded by palms oleander,olive trees and vines, in addition to the picturesque villages, beaches and little ports, parks and nature reserves it is known for. Lake Garda is ideal for a tailor-made vacation, whether fornature lovers, athletes, or history and culture buffs.

Today, enjoy a relaxing free day at Lake Garda, one of Italy's most beautiful and tranquil destinations. With its crystal-clear waters, charming lakeside towns, and stunning mountainous landscapes, Lake Garda offers the perfect setting for a leisurely day of exploration or relaxation. If you're in the mood for sightseeing, you have the option to take a day trip to Verona, a city steeped in history and romance. Visit the iconic Arena di Verona, the ancient Roman amphitheater, and stroll through the picturesque streets that inspired Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Don't miss Juliet's House and the charming Piazza delle Erbe, one of the city's most lively squares.
Alternatively, you could explore the lovely town of Sirmione, located on a peninsula that juts out into the lake. Known for its medieval castle, Scaligero Castle, and the ancient Grotte di Catullo ruins, Sirmione offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and relaxation. Take a stroll through its quaint streets, enjoy a lakeside coffee, or unwind at one of the local spas.
For those who prefer a more leisurely pace, the stunning surroundings of Lake Garda itself are perfect for relaxation. Whether you decide to spend your day strolling along the lakefront, taking a boat ride, or simply enjoying the views from a cozy café, the choice is yours.
Enjoy your day at your own pace, and let the beauty of the region rejuvenate you.

Make your own way to Saba Park Stazione in Venice Mestre, a drive of approximately four hours, and return your rental car. The assistant meets you at the car rental office for the transfer to the hotel, a drive of approximately fifteen minutes followed by a boat ride of thirty minutes. Once you drop your bags at your hotel, the day is yours!
Built on over 100 small islands on the Adriatic Sea, Venice is lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces, sweeping views of the Grand Canal and its small counterparts, and a romantic atmosphere that is unlike any other. Venice is completely walkable via small bridges between islands.

Your guide meets you at reception for a 3 hours private walking tour with access at St Mark Basilica. Then, enjoy an enchanting 30-minute gondola ride and appreciate the beauty, charm, and colors of this unique city. You’ll see Venice as the local noblest and wealthiest families did for centuries, feeling privileged in this evocative atmosphere. You'll be gently guided by the gondolier through the calm waters of the old city, passing under ancient and imposing bridges and being able to admire the architectural masterworks of Venice.

Meet your private assistant near your hotel for an easy departure to the Venice airport by boat. Be sure to arrive 2.5 to 3 hours ahead of your scheduled flight time.
We hope you had a wonderful vacation and we look forward to hearing about your experience when you are home!